From my understanding, at the heart of the Andean cosmovision lies an ancient Quechua principle called ayni, translating most closely to "sacred reciprocity" or “right relationship”. Rooted deeply in the indigenous heritage of the Andes and strongly practiced by communities such as the Q'ero nation, ayni functions as both a cosmic law of universal balance. Rather than a modern commercial transaction, ayni is an ongoing current and exchange of life-force energy. It dictates that all elements of existence are profoundly interconnected. This interconnection reminds us to remain in right relationship not only with one another through supporting the well-being of the whole community, but also with the wider living world.

I began hearing about this teaching several years ago, I am not even really sure when. And over the year’s through different Q’ero practices, and continued communion with Mother Earth, I slowly began building an understanding. Whilst I am sure I have not fully grasped the fullness of this teaching, and that I am missing some cultural context, so in some ways my understanding is incomplete. But what I do know is - how it feels.

When I make an offering to a Plant or Tree, when I set up or sit an altar made to honour the Divine Forces of Life, and when I pray for the Living World, for no reason other than gratitude I know I am contributing to my Right Relationship with life. Not because I am some highly evolved spiritual being who is so amazing, more the opposite really. The humility of truly recognising I am nothing but a mere spec in the cosmovision. A small thread in a very large web; so large that I cannot possibly even begin to fathom its intricacy. I recognise that the gifts that have been given to me in this life have come from the Creator, Spirit and Mother Earth. I remember all of the times Spirit showed up for me. All the healings, ceremonies and hardships. Where life took me to the brink and Spirit pulled me back and encouraged me to keep living. Right relationship with the fabric of life begins with humility of our position in this world, because with it comes profound gratitude and the heart desire to give something good back.

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Written by Suneet Kaur, Shamanic Practitioner & Medical Herbalist.

Right Relationship - what does it really mean?

Crafting Sacred & Sustainable Smudge Sticks from UK Native Plants